An Engaging Horror Tale
T. Kingfisher’s ‘A House with Good Bones’ is an impressively weird and nerve-wracking read, yet it maintains a laugh-out-loud funny tone. The novel exemplifies Kingfisher’s mastery in blending horror and humor to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story, set in rural North Carolina, revolves around Sam Montgomery, an archaeoentomologist who moves back into her grandmother’s old house with her mom, Edie.
A Creepy Family Home
The Montgomery house is not just any ordinary home. It’s a place filled with eerie occurrences and unsettling moments. Sam, a rational scientist, finds herself dealing with unusual dreams, circling vultures, ladybugs spilling from taps, and the ghostly sensation of bony fingers touching her hair at night. The house exudes a stillness and a sweet, dusty smell that can evoke a sense of dread akin to visiting an untouched grandparents’ house.
A Perfect Balance Between Horror and Humor
Despite the nerve-wracking occurrences, ‘A House with Good Bones’ is infused with humor. Sam’s internal monologue is peppered with hilarious observations about living with her mom, struggling with unreliable internet, and the quirks of being 32. This balance between fright and humor brings the unforgettable equilibrium seen in Jordan Peele’s ‘Get Out.’ Readers will find their fear dissipated by a well-timed joke, making the tension more bearable and enjoyable.
A Closer Look at the Characters
Kingfisher maintains a narrow focus on Sam and a few other major characters, amplifying the proximity and immediacy of the threats. This tight character focus makes the horror feel intimate and specific, unlike the arbitrary dangers in some horror stories. As the story progresses, Sam uncovers family secrets better left undisturbed, enhancing the unsettling atmosphere surrounding the Montgomery house.
In conclusion, ‘A House with Good Bones’ is a unique blend of horror and humor that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Even if you’re not a horror aficionado, the book’s comedic undertones make it an enjoyable read. Kingfisher’s ability to place reasonable people in unreasonable circumstances and force them to respond is what makes this novel truly nerve-wracking and unforgettable.
